Redwood Falls to host state law enforcement prayer service Sunday

Wednesday

May 1, 2013 at 3:20 PMMay 1, 2013 at 6:45 PM

Redwood County Sheriff's deputy named Lawrence Felcyn is one of more than 260 officers who have been slain in Minnesota over the years, and those officers are going to be honored this Sunday in Redwood Falls during an ecumenical service held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

By Troy KrauseEditor

In 1972, a Redwood County Sheriff's deputy named Lawrence Felcyn was shot and killed in the line of duty.He is one of more than 260 officers who have been slain in Minnesota over the years, and those officers are going to be honored this Sunday in Redwood Falls during an ecumenical service held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.The 31st annual Minnesota Law En-forcement Memorial Association (LEMA) service is being held locally and is being hosted by the Red-wood Falls Police De-partment (RFPD).According to Rachel Johnson, an officer with the RFPD, the department submitted an application to host the service."Most of the time the service is in the cities," said Johnson. "This gives some of the smaller departments in this area the opportunity to send their officers. "When you are part of a smaller department, you don't always have that chance to show the respect for fellow officers."The service, which is open to the public is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., and Johnson said there is a free luncheon being held following the service.In order to serve as host for the event, a number of things had to fall in place, most specifically finding the financial resources to make it happen."The community re-sponse has been phenomenal," said John-son, adding as soon as people got word they offered to help.

Johnson expressed her appreciation to everyone who helped make the event possible, adding LEMA leadership also was very impressed with how much support the community has provided.During the service, Johnson said a number of things are taking place, including music from local individuals, as well as the Minneapolis Police Pipe Band.Two featured speakers are also going to be part of the service, said Johnson, including Michael Felcyn, who is a family member of Lawrence Felcyn. Another officer, Gregory Lange, is also going to specifically be honored, as his wife, Susan is going to speak.During the service evey officer who has been killed in the line of duty is going to be honored as their name is read.Johnson also said a salute and "Taps" presentation are part of the program, which means the public is going to hear gun shots at some time during the afternoon.A lunch following the service is being catered by the Amer-ican Legion, and all who attend are invited to stay for the meal. For those who are not able to attend the service, Johnson said Mediacom is going to be broadcasting the service live.The public is encouraged to attend the service.Those who would like to donate to the cause are encouraged to make donations to LEMA, and Johnson said information regarding that can be found online at www.mnlema.org.